Holiday road trippers are getting the early gift of plunging prices at the pump. The state average has declined 46 cents per gallon since November 11. On Sunday, the average price for gasoline in Tennessee was $2.86 per gallon. That’s nearly 17 cents per gallon less than a year ago.
AAA estimates 2.6 million Tennesseans will journey 50 miles or more away from home from December 23 to January 2. That’s an increase of over 107,000 people over last year and the third highest on record for the year-end holiday travel period in Tennessee.
An estimated 112.7 million Americans are forecast to travel during the year-end holidays. That’s an increase of 3.6 million people compared to last year.
Nationwide, 90% of holiday travelers will drive to their destinations.
Air travel will see a 14% increase over last year, with nearly 7.2 million Americans expected to fly despite higher airline prices. Flights and airports will be packed this holiday season, reminiscent of pre-pandemic days.
AAA says drivers and those flying should expect delays.